Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is slowly becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the NBA world. Under his leadership, the Timberwolves had reached the Playoffs during the previous two seasons but couldn’t go beyond that. However, the franchise has gained entry into the Western Conference Semi-Finals for the first time in 10 years. Besides his team contribution, his performance has earned him comparisons with some of the greatest basketball players. For an NFL legend, however, that comparison exists because of the mentality possessed apart from the stats.

A few hours ago, former Denver Broncos player and two-time Super Bowl Champion Shannon Sharpe released another episode of his highly viewed ‘Nightcap’ show. Joining him as co-host was former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson. During their discussion about the Timberwolves’ recent win against the Denver Nuggets, Johnson highlighted his opinion on how Michael Jordan, Anthony Edwards, and Kobe Bryant possessed Bryant’s iconic ‘Mamba Mentality’. According to the former player, the only difference is that Edwards keeps that mentality “with a smile on his face”. Johnson’s co-host agreed with the statement, hinting that the smiling ability only makes him scarier.

“From the outside, he seems more charismatic,” said Sharpe. “He’s smiling, he’s joking …. But he’s something special”. Sharpe highlighted that the Timberwolves star has already reached the same potential as the Black Mamba by securing the second most 30-point NBA playoff games before turning 22. Kobe was only four days younger when he achieved that same record.

The phrase ‘Mamba Mentality’ has become synonymous with the teachings passed down by the late Lakers star. According to Kobe himself, possessing the mentality involves “focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most“. While he and Michael Jordan reportedly focused on the process with a load of seriousness, Anthony Edwards does not mind bringing in a few laughs. Whether it’s recreating WWE DX’s iconic ‘Suck it’ move or getting into a hilarious exchange with an on-court referee, the player can dominate while satisfying viewers not only with his performance but also with a certain dose of laughter.

Anthony Edwards wished that he could have had Kobe Bryant as a mentor

Anthony Edwards was drafted into the NBA ten months after Kobe Bryant and his daughter tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. As a result, the Timberwolves shooting guard reportedly never got the opportunity to interact with the Black Mamba. However, this did not cause him to lose any respect he had formed for his idol.

“He was one of a kind, there was nobody else like him,” said Anthony Edwards about Kobe Bryant. “I’m happy to be in the same position as him because to me he’s the second-greatest shooting guard of all time, behind Mike (Michael Jordan)”.

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When discussing things that could have been, Edwards revealed, “I definitely wish he could’ve been a mentor to me. He was that to a lot of people who are playing today. But unfortunately, things happen.”

While Edwards may not have been amongst the few lucky ones to meet the Lakers legend, he has the potential to rise to the same level as him. He can be someone aspiring players can look up to as the face of the NBA and would wish for him to be their mentor.